Seniors Get Tips to Avoid Falling for Scams
HARTFORD, Conn. - Beware of imposter scams! That's the warning that went out to Connecticut seniors during AARP's Fraud Watch Action Day on Thursday.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, more than 2,500 Connecticut residents filed complaints about scam artists last year. Byron Peterson, a member of the executive council of AARP Connecticut, said the most common schemes involve people pretending to be tax agents, law enforcement or computer technicians, and demanding money.
"Very serious scam attempts are going on every day targeting mostly seniors," he said, "but everybody is potentially threatened."
AARP and the state Attorney General's office are members of the Elder Justice Coalition of Connecticut, which is working to educate the public and prevent consumer fraud.
AARP urged people everywhere to sign up for the Fraud Watch Network, which Peterson said will give them access to a fraud hotline, action alerts and a lot of important information.
The website includes "what's going on in their states, what kinds of fraud are commonly being reported," he said. "They can also get information on resources and tips on how to protect themselves."
The Fraud Watch Network is available on the web at fraudwatchnetwork.org.
